Gunners to offer Sagna new deal for third time as right-back holds out for a pay rise

Arsenal are preparing a third contract offer for key defender Bacary Sagna in hope of finally persuading him to stay.

The right-back is out of contract in the summer and is free to discuss a potential Bosman move abroad.

Sagna has already turned down two contract offers from the Gunners - one a 12 month extension on the same £60,000-per-week salary and a two year deal, again on the same money.

Uncertain future: Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna, seen attempting to pass the ball past Crystal Palace midfielder Yannick Bolasie during the Gunners' 2-0 win, is set to be offered a third contract after turning down two previous deals

Defensive steel: Arsenal right-back Sagna has been a consistent performer for the London side this season

Sportsmail understands that Sagna wants at least a three-year deal to consider staying. He would also want a considerable pay increase.

The Gunners have always shown a reluctance to offer players over 30 long-term deals, nevertheless Sagna is determined to seek the best contract possible, knowing the next one could well be has last big pay-day.

Sagna has not had a pay increase since 2008, in which time he has spurned the advances of Manchester City and Real Madrid, hoping his loyalty would be rewarded.

Chipping in: Sagna celebrates with Olivier Giroud, left, after scoring against Stoke earlier in the season

Sagna is said to be 'deeply upset' by the fact the Gunners have not furnished him with improved terms during that period, despite the fact he has established himself as one of the best full-backs in England.

Clubs across Europe, including Galatasary, Monaco and Paris St Germain, are interested in Sagna and have the financial firepower to give Sagna the sort of deal he wants.

And the France international knows he is in a strong position going into the next round of talks with the Gunners.

Class performer: Sagna, seen here holding off Borussia Dortmund's Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marco Reus, right, helped Arsenal beat the German side 1-0 in the Champions League group stages earlier this season